Honoured to be chief guest at Republic Day function: Hollande

After a ceremonial welcome, French President paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

New Delhi:

The visiting French President Francois Hollande, who is on a three-day India visit and the chief guest for Republic Day celebrations, paid tribute to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat on Monday morning.

He was accompanied by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar.

WATCH: Ceremonial reception for French President Francois Hollande at Rashtrapati Bhawan https://t.co/nFl2iVsZ26

— ANI (@ANI_news) January 25, 2016

Later, Hollande also planted a sapling in the Rajghat premises.

-"I am honoured to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day function,-" the French President said. -"PM Modi played an important role in the success of the Paris Climate Summit, said Hollande.

The French President was earlier accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourts of the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Ceremonial honours in the majestic forecourt. President @fhollande inspects the guard of honour at @RashtrapatiBhvn pic.twitter.com/ZwrTsiZiMa

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 25, 2016

Later in the day, he will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House, which will be followed by signing of agreements between both sides in various key sectors.

The French President will on Tuesday witness the Republic Day parade at Rajpath as the chief guest. This is the fifth time that a serving President of France will be the chief guest at India's Republic Day function.